Search
Search
Picture of Derrick Dunn

Derrick Dunn

Slow Jam Saturday: Kevin Ross, “This Winter”

For the last Slow Jam Saturday of the year, I wanted to highlight one of the most underrated voices in music, Mr. Kevin Ross, and his recently released single “This Winter”.

When I started my website, the essence of Slow Jam Saturday was always to celebrate tracks that resonate—melodies that don’t just aim to capture a fleeting moment but instead claim a lasting presence.  Kevin Ross’ “This Winter” exemplifies this tradition perfectly. 

It isn’t a festive tune designed to drown out the seasonal hustle and bustle; instead, it quietly draws you in, dims the lights, and reminds us why R&B has long been associated with intimacy, especially during cuffing season.

As an acclaimed singer-songwriter and one of today’s most dependable voices in modern R&B, Kevin Ross delivers “This Winter” with both subtlety and confidence.  The song unfolds gradually, anchored by a seemingly simple refrain – “all I need is love for Christmas”—which resonates not just as a catchy phrase but as wisdom gained over time.  Ross skillfully avoids exaggerating the emotion, allowing it to flourish naturally.

The enduring quality of this track evokes classic soul without merely falling into nostalgia.  The melody exudes a cozy warmth, much like sitting by a fire.  Simultaneously, his vocal delivery flows smoothly, creating a cinematic impact—personal enough to feel intimate yet polished enough to fill any space.  This is the balance Ross has mastered throughout his career.

When Ross claims the song is about love being the greatest gift, it doesn’t come across as a mere promotional line.  It feels genuine.  “This Winter” conveys the message that the holidays aren’t about spectacle; they’re about connection with those you hold close.  Who are you thinking about when the world slows down?

In a season crowded with novelty records, “This Winter” feels built for return visits.  Not just this year, but the next one—and the one after that. 

Final Grade: B+

“This Winter” is available on all streaming platforms.

Movie Clappers

More reviews to explorer

Slow Jam Saturday : Chauncey Black, “Everyday Is Your Birthday”

July 26, 2026

This week’s Slow Jam Saturday pick takes us back to 2008 to show some love to Chauncey Hannibal, a member of Blackstreet, and his solo track “Everyday Is Your Birthday.” Chauncey’s vocals were featured prominently on the group’s first four albums until he began his solo career in 2005. He initially signed with Flipmode Entertainment, and “Everyday Is Your Birthday” was the first single from his project titled “Church Boy,” although the actual album was never released.

Second Listen Sunday: Brooke Valentine, “Chain Letter”

July 26, 2026

As my loyal readers know, one of my passions during my Air Force enlistment was being a DJ. Since I was stationed in the UK, it was sometimes hard to keep up with the music scene, as there was no satellite radio, the club scene rarely showcased new music, and I missed out on shows like 106 & Park. Often, I would buy new CDs based solely on their covers and find a way to incorporate the music into my sets, particularly if the artist caught my attention. One such artist was Brooke Valentine, who is this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday.

Second Listen Sunday : Akon, Konvicted

July 19, 2026

Since my wife’s favorite solo artist, Ne-Yo, is currently on tour, I decided to show some love to Akon this week for Second Listen Sunday by focusing on his second album, “Konvicted.” I first discovered Akon in the fall of 2004 when I made my DJ debut while stationed in the UK. During my warm-up set, I played “Locked Up,” and one of the bouncers came over, handed me a pound, and said it was about time someone played that song.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

© Copyright Reviews & Dunn. All rights reserved

website designed by Red Robin Digital designers 

▲